The first Australian tour date of Taylor Swift’s long-awaited Eras Tour is just days away.
And while most Swifties had their outfits sorted months ago, many are now second-guessing their choices.
For those who have buyers regret, don’t stress, we have you covered.
Swift is set to take the stage for three nights at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on February 16, followed by a run of four shows in Sydney from February 23.
Over the course of ten days, the two cities – heck the entire country – is expected to be abuzz with Swift fever and it is no surprise the nation’s retail stores are getting behind the trend.
Brick-and-mortar retailers including Glassons, Cotton On, Jay Jays, Sportsgirl and Universal Store have launched their very own concert ready collections complete with glitter, shimmering partywear and rhinestone cowgirl aesthetic accessories.
A number of online retailers including Nasty Gal, Beginning Boutique, and Boohoo have also jumped on the bandwagon.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with choice, or completely thrown by the importance of pulling together the perfect fit for this major life moment, fear not, NCA NewsWire has done the hard work for you.
Glassons
The first stop was Glassons where I was lured in by the view of metallic silver cowgirl boots and glistening purple sequins in prime position by the front door.
I had already stalked the collection online so made a beeline for the sparkly purple things.
After collecting the boots in my size, I joined the line to the change rooms with a heavy haul in my arms.
It became clear very quickly that Glassons had opted for a Speak Now/country Taylor Swift era look with purple hues in full flow.
The Metallic Western Cowboy Boot are one of the most expensive items in the collection, but are so comfortable I think its worth the splurge.
For $99.99, those boots will not only be the statement piece of the night but are cushioned to keep you on your feet dancing for the entire five-hour show (if you include Sabrina Carpenter’s pre-show).
It’s worth noting the concert will be taking place in the heat of February with humidity very likely to make it a sweaty evening for fans.
The range of adorable baby tees featuring the cowgirl boot, disco ball and the word Nashville ($24.99) are a great bet for keeping cool and flattering on all sizes.
I paired the Nashville tee with the Mini Tiered Skirt ($39.99), the Sequin Maxi Skirt in Black (sadly, unavailable online) and a black mini skirt.
Then came the showstopper purple sequin halter neck which has already become a fan favourite (it sold-out quick online) and will guarantee Tay catches a glimpse even if you’re in the nosebleeds.
The top has three separate ties on it, so is very customisable to fit a variety of shapes, however might not be the sturdiest if you’re planning on head banging to Cruel Summer.
The collection also carries a lilac Sequin Embellished Knit Top ($79.99) which is slightly less flashy, and would be sure to get many a re-wear after the Eras Tour has come and gone.
Overall, I think Glassons has pulled together a great collection with plenty to mix and match, however you’ll have to get in quick because stock is disappearing from the shelves and online store.
Sportsgirl
The offering at Sportsgirl is more focused on accessories, so I’d recommend making it as a second stop on the Westfield trip.
Despite this, it has some of my favourite Eras Tour items including a pair of Karma Western Boots in Red ($99.95) (that resemble a popular pair of Ganni boots from last season).
A pair of metallic pink boots are also available, and equally as charming, plus a pair of rhinestone covered boots that are were not available in store but are online.
The main attraction at this store was the range of cowgirl hats which ranged from straw hats in pink and lilac, a white suede number with rhinestone stars under the brim and a black suede hat with rhinestones lining the outer brim.
The rhinestones on the inner layer of the hat might reduce some of the star value but make it all the more fun when you tip it off and greet a stranger.
The bag offering at Sportsgirl is also exciting, with a sweet heart-shaped Love Me Cross Body Bag ($39.95) in red and black, and my personal favourite a rhinestone bag that pairs well with, well all the rhinestones.
H&M
Now, H&M do not have their own official line of Eras Tour merch but I checked it out just in case, and boy did it provide the goods.
In fact, I even managed to find a beige sequined blazer that could be a dupe of Swift’s iconic rhinestone blazer worn on the Eras Tour.
A pair of sequined pants flairs were available in multiple shades of silver, which paired with any basic tee would make a great last-minute outfit.
H&M also sells a great range of flowy skirts and maxi dresses, and a heap of intricate lace tops that can pay homage to the early Swift eras.
A favourite find was a jewelled butterfly belt in white that could be wrapped around a skirt or denim shorts.
All in all, Aussie fashion retailers have brought some incredible outfit inspiration in their Eras Tour collections that I will happily add to my wardrobe and wear well beyond February.
What you can and can’t bring to the stadium
Frontier Touring released its list of rules ahead of the Australian leg of the Era Tour.
Friendship bracelets are allowed at the show, however, they have to be on your arms or in your bag.
They can’t be on things like carabiners or D-rings.
There is a strict one bag per person rule.
Bags do not need to be clear, however, they must be no larger than an A4 piece of paper.
It must also have no more than 2 compartments, in or outside of the bag.
Don’t bring along any aerosol sunscreens, deodorants or perfumes because they will be confiscated at the gates.
If it’s raining, make sure to wear a poncho because no umbrellas will be allowed inside the stadium.
There’ll also be no ‘noise making devices’, so leave your air horns, your radios, and your whistles at home.
How to get merch
Crown Melbourne has a dedicated merchandise store, however, fans had to book spots and they were all booked out ahead of the opening on Tuesday.
The MCG is also pre-sale merchandise days between Wednesday and Thursday, from 10am to 6pm near Gate 1 and 5.
Reservations are not required, but turning up early is a must if you want to secure a purchase.
Items are also up for grabs on concert days, opening from 12pm but stock will be limited.
Sydneysiders are in luck, Accor Stadium is holding two merch presale days on Wednesday, February 21 and Thursday, February 22.
There’s also an option to get your merch early on the day of your concert.